The design elements of outpatient geriatric rehabilitation from patient, healthcare professional, and organizational perspective; a qualitative study

PURPOSE: To gain a rich understanding of the experiences and opinions of patients, healthcare professionals, and policymakers regarding the design of OGR with structure, process, environment, and outcome components.

METHODS: Qualitative research based on the constructive grounded theory approach is performed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients who received OGR ( n  = 13), two focus groups with healthcare professionals ( n  = 13), and one focus group with policymakers ( n  = 4). The Post-acute Care Rehabilitation quality framework was used as a theoretical background in all research steps.

RESULTS: The data analysis of all perspectives resulted in seven themes: the outcome of OGR focuses on the patient's independence and regaining control over their functioning at home. Essential process elements are a patient-oriented network, a well-coordinated dedicated team at home, and blended eHealth applications. Additionally, closer cooperation in integrated care and refinement regarding financial, time-management, and technological challenges is needed with implementation into a permanent structure. All steps should be influenced by the stimulating aspect of the physical and social rehabilitation environment.

CONCLUSION: The three perspectives generally complement each other to regain patients' quality of life and autonomy. This study demonstrates an overview of the building blocks that can be used in developing and designing an OGR trajectory.